The Future of Consumerist

Over the last twelve years, Consumerist has been a steadfast proponent and voice on behalf of consumers, from exposing shady practices by secretive cable companies to pushing for action against dodgy payday lenders. Now, we’re joining forces with Consumer Reports, our parent organization, to cultivate the next generation of consumer advocacy.

Stay tuned as Consumerist’s current and future content finds its home as a part of the Consumer Reports brand. In the meantime, you can access existing Consumerist content below, and we encourage you to visit Consumer Reports to read the latest consumer news.

After achieving “clarity,” Verizon has decided to not charge the widow of a Marine who died in Afghanistan a $350 early termination fee. The woman had moved back home following her husband’s death so as to be closer to family, and in the new area she had no cellphone reception. In announcing the situation’s resolution, Verizon Wireless also took the opportunity to take a jab at the media for sensationalizing their incompetence.

Verizon Wireless has long supported our troops and worked with members of the armed services with flexibility. Once we understood this Marine’s widow’s circumstances, we quickly resolved the situation. We regret any undue frustration we may have caused the Brummunds. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Brummund and her family.

…they told Consumerist something slightly different:

Verizon Wireless has long supported our troops and worked with members of the armed services with flexibility. Once we understood this Marine’s widow’s circumstances, we resolved the situation quickly. The media turned a moment that needed clarity into a sensational story, and one that’s just not accurate. The situation is resolved. Our thoughts and prayers are with the widow and her family.

Aw, is that a “If you prick us, do we not bleed?” Guess Verizon felt more comfortable being more barbed when dealing with online media.

I disagree that her being a war widow is irrelevant to the story. In both their statements Verizon acknowledges an internal policy of being “flexible” with the armed services, ergo, it’s germane. I’ve asked Verizon to clarify what inaccuracies they saw in media reports.